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Q: What is acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is a method of relieving pain or alleviating a health condition by inserting needles into a person’s skin at particular points on the body.
Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
A: Feelings of discomfort are usually mild. Patients may feel cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected channel, meridian, or energy pathway.
Q: Are acupuncture needles safe?
A: Single-use, sterile and disposable needles approved by the FDA are standard in modern acupuncture practices and required by law in the state of Nevada.
Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: Acupuncture encourages the body to use its own resources to encourage balance and healing. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi and Blood through distinct channels or pathways that traverse the body like the blood and lymph vessels and even nerve pathways. Acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is needed and away from where there is stagnation.
Q: How long does each session take?
A: Sessions last 45 – 60 minutes. Initial session intake may be up to 30 minutes; follow-up intake may be 5-10 minutes. Needle placement 5 minutes, resting with the needles 15-30 minutes, depending on the condition. Electro-stimulation, cupping, guasha, tuina are added as appropriate for the condition.
Q: How many sessions do I need?
A: This will vary patient to patient. Considerations are whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the age and health of individual patients.
Q: How often should I have an acupuncture treatment?
A: In general, to establish momentum in a patient’s healing, at least three sessions within a 10-day period is recommended for most chronic conditions. Acute conditions may be alleviated within shorter duration.
Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture? A: In an official report, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the following symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture:
- low back pain
- neck pain
- sciatica
- tennis elbow
- knee pain
- periarthritis of the shoulder
- sprains
- facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- headache
- dental pain
- temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction
- rheumatoid arthritis
- morning sickness
- nausea and vomiting
- postoperative pain
- stroke
- essential hypertension
- primary hypotension
- renal colic
- leucopenia
- adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy
- allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
- biliary colic
- depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
- acute bacillary dysentery
- primary dysmenorrhea
- acute epigastralgia
- peptic ulcer
- acute and chronic gastritis
- … and more!
Q: How deep do the needles go?
A: Generally, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 2 inches in depth depending on the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and general health.
Q: Should I stop taking other medications?
A: No! Follow your current medical doctor’s instructions. Acupuncture is complementary to your medical doctor’s treatment plan and not intended to replace it.
Q: What is herbal medicine good for?
A: Herbal medicine treats the full range of disease occurring in the natural human life cycle. It treats acute problems, like stomach flu, common cold, and even traumatic injury, as well as chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, sleep disorders, and health problems due to deficiency, such as fatigue or issues relating to aging.
Q: How are herbal formulas taken?
A: Herbal pills and encapsulated powders are the most common and convenient form of taking medicinal herbs. Herbal formulas have few side effects and when taken as directed are safe and effective.
Q: What is Neuro-acupuncture?
A: Neuro-acupuncture is a modern acupuncture method that helps with neurological disorders and pain conditions. Neuro-acupuncture integrates traditional Chinese needling methods and Scalp Acupuncture with western medical knowledge. These neurological disorders may include traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, to name just a few.
Q: What is cupping?
A: Cupping therapy uses negative pressure to pull gently on the body’s tissues, release tension and promote lymphatic drainage and is effective for a variety of issues. Cupping in this clinic is done with a handheld pump device or with squeezable silicone cups. Cupping helps move stagnation and encourage flushing of areas where adhesions have inhibited flow. Fire cupping is not offered in this clinic.
Q: What is Asian Bodywork Therapy?
A: Asian Bodywork Therapy differs from Swedish massage in that treatments are given through clothing, tend to be harmonizing, and in the hands of a trained practitioner, diagnosis and treatment occur simultaneously. Currently Asian Bodywork Therapy is not offered as a stand-alone treatment, but acupuncture sessions sometimes include a few to several minutes of the following:
Shiatsu: From Japan, Tsubos – or acupressure points – are palpated along the meridians with thumbs, palms, and elbows.
Acupressure: In Jin Shin acupressure, points are held for a few seconds to several minutes to encourage qi to move. Acupressure with fingers and thumbs is also used in place of acupuncture needles in certain areas of the body and has many of the same benefits. I commonly prescribe acupressure routines for patients to continue progress at home.
Tuina: Loosens up sinews and joints with range of motion, gliding, grasping, and percussive movements. Tuina is effective for sports injuries and injury prevention.
Chi Nei Tsang: CNT is a form of bodywork therapy that occurs mainly on the abdomen with deep yet soft and gentle touches, to train internal organs to work more efficiently.
Q: What should I call you?
A: Dr. Lanier, Dr. Anita, Doctor, doc, and even my first name Anita are all acceptable. Honey, sweetie, and other endearments are tolerated only from elderly patients and Southerners.
Q: This sounds amazing!! How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You may schedule online or by phone (702) 204-1342.
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